AutoCAD Map

If you have Civil 3D 2011 and need to import raster images like MrSid and ECW format (who doesn't?), then you will need the Raster Design Object Enabler since there is no Raster Design 2011 yet. But wait, there is no Raster Design Object Enabler for 2011 either. Oops.

Fortunately, someone figured out how to hack the 2010 RD Object Enabler so that it will work with Civil 3D 2011, and the resident MAP guru, Murph himself, posted the solution over a month ago (AutoCAD Map 2011 needs this hack too...). Since the 2010 version works for 2011, I'm not sure why Autodesk has not written an installer for it. IMO, support for these image types should be built into Civil 3D and Map anyway.

I do not have any information on when to expect a 2011 version of Raster Design or the RD Object Enabler.

UPDATE (31 JUN 2010): The Raster Design 2011 Object Enabler has been released. Read more »

Autodesk has extended their assistance program until January 2011.

The Autodesk Assistance Program provides FREE 2011 version software, online and classroom training, software certification, and discounts on retail versions of software. Click on the link below for important DETAILS.

Autodesk assistance program

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If you have ever imported an ESRI SHP file containing polygons using the ._MAPIMPORT command, and the polygons came in filled, you may have wondered how to turn off this fill.

Use the ._POLYDISPLAY command to enable or disable the fill on these MPOLYGON objects.

Command: ._POLYDISPLAY
Enter mpolygon display mode [Edges only/Fill only/Both] : _E

If for some reason, you don't want MPOLYGON objects, you can control the default object import type (MPOLYGON vs. closed polyline) by running the MAPUSEMPOLYGON command.

Command: MAPUSEMPOLYGON
Enter new value for MAPUSEMPOLYGON : _OFF
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If you are importing ESRI SHP files that contain closed objects using the MAPIMPORT command, and you end up with filled MPOLYGON objects instead of plain old closed polylines, read on....

First, you can instruct MAP to import closed polylines instead of MPOLYGONs by running the MAPUSEMPOLYGON command and setting the value to OFF. If you do want MPOLYGON entities, but you don't want them filled, run the POLYDISPLAY command and choose Edges only. Be sure to REGEN after running this command.

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